What was supposed to be a night of celebrating light over darkness and the freedom of religious expression became overshadowed by the killing of 15 people in an anti-Semitic act.
On Dec. 14 there was a “Chanukah by the Sea” party in Bondi Beach, Australia where hundreds gathered to celebrate the first night of Chanukah. This celebration turned cold when two gunmen entered the scene.
At least 15 people have been killed, including an assistant Rabbi and a child. More than 40 others are in the hospital, numerous lay in critical conditions.
Countries all over the world have been sharing their sorrows about what has happened. Iran, the United States, Britain, Australia, Iran, European countries and more have expressed their shock and horror over what has happened. Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister, called the shooting an “attack against Jewish Australians.”
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian,” Albanese posted on social media. “There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear. We will eradicate it.”
The gunmen have been identified as a father (50) and son (24). The father died after being shot by the police and the son is in critical condition in the hospital.
One of the gunmen was tackled by a civilian who wrestled him, taking the gun. He was shot and is now in the hospital.
“We do hope that he will be fine,” Mustafa, the man’s cousin, said. “He’s a hero, 100 percent.”
This event was directed at the Jewish community and it was a terrorist attack that should never be forgotten. Nobody’s lives should be lost because of their religion.
For Hyunsung Woo — a senior, at Pioneer High school — the fact that this was not the only shooting over the weekend is a horrible thought.
“Any form of violence that goes before someone and kills someone is devastating,” Woo said. “But this wasn’t the only act of violence this weekend, there was also a shooting at Brown University.”
The shooting at Brown University has had a huge impact all over the world as it is continuing the cycle of almost monthly school shootings. In this shooting, two people were killed while nine others were injured.
“Honestly, it’s appalling that there are people with so much hate in their soul that they would choose this path to resolve a problem,” Woo said. “Even one loss is so detrimental to a community, and having 17 people killed this weekend is just unimaginable.”
